Miss Teen USA Karlie Hay has spoken out today in her first televised interview since it's come to light that she has used racial slurs on a personal Twitter account in the past.

Karlie, who represents Texas, won the title and crown on Saturday night. Hours later, social media users, including 2010 Miss Teen USA Kamie Crawford, rushed to point out Karlie's repeated use of a racial slur on a personal Twitter account from 2013 to 2014, questioning whether she had the character and judgment required for the title.

The Miss Universe organization, which oversees the Miss Teen USA pageant, issued a statement in Karlie's defense, saying: "The language Karlie Hay used is unacceptable at any age and in no way reflects the values of The Miss Universe Organization. As Karlie stated, she was in a different place in her life and made a serious mistake she regrets and for which she sincerely apologizes." It doesn't seem like the company will be stripping her of her title anytime soon. "We as an organization are committed to supporting her continued growth."

In her first televised interview since winning the crown, Karlie talked to George Stephanopoulos of Good Morning America about her use of the slur. "I am very sorry. It's embarrassing," she said, according to E! News. "At that age, I was being a follower. I was trying to fit in with my friends. The word was thrown around in the music I listened to, with the friends I hung out with, and I had no guidance. So, it was kind of a careless mistake."

Echoing the sentiment expressed in her Instagram post, Karlie referred to her own "obstacles," saying she hopes to turn this controversy into something positive. "I've learned that, you know, through every obstacle there's something positive that can come out of it, and I can use my title to do great things. And hopefully people learn from my mistakes, because it is a big mistake."